Helpful vs Hurtful
As a no doubt quiet, overly sensitive introvert who used to cry at the drop of a hat, I used to take everything personally even constructive criticism. My eyes teared up and my voice But I've since grown a slightly thicker skin. I've come to witness some things that rub me the wrong way so here goes....
Are the words leaving your lips or the tips of your fingers being used to uplift or to send your unwarranted opinion. When granted the opportunity to speak, will the words that leave your lips really help or they just an unhealthy opinion just being thrown out there?
Hurtful: Recently, I read a combative conversation between two of my Facebook "friends" The person who's post it was on stated their feelings towards their own personal decisions. People liked and commented but another began to speak on what's wrong with the others' choices. There was a back and forth but then the commenter went on to make a post of their own stating something along the lines of "if you can't take the heat, stay out of the kitchen" Not those exact words, but you get the picture. And this is where is it helpful or hurtful came to mind.
Philippians 2:1-8 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in very nature God,did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
7 rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8 And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
Helpful: As Christians it is our job to live a holy example regardless of the outlets. Be it social media or otherwise. If someone's doing, reading, watching, posting etc. anything you do not like, you reserve every right to....PRAY for them. If it does not align with your lifestyle, pray that God removes it. If it is against God's will, rebuke it and move along. It is true that you have the right to comment/make remarks/voice your opinion but it is not your OPINION that is RIGHT! Ask yourself, "Are these words pleasing and will they make the proper change I want to relay?" Remember, often times it's not what you say but how you say it.
Galatians 6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
